Sponsored Post: Today I am partnering with Clinique to #FaceForward and share what advice I would give my future self. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve always fancied myself an entrepreneur. What can I say, it’s in my blood. I grew up helping my mom at her small business. By age 7 I had made $100 in one-day selling toys and clothes at a neighbor’s garage sale. At 10, I made decorative Thanksgiving Turkeys out of Hershey’s Kisses for an arts and crafts fair that sold out on the first day. (Yes, seriously. Embarrassing but true.) Since it was a two-day fair, my mom and I made a late night run to the craft and grocery stores so I could make more, and I sold out of those too. Pretty sure I made a killing (for a 10-year-old anyways!)
When I heard about the new Clinique #FaceForward campaign, it got me thinking about where I see myself in a few years. I had always thought that by 30, I would be a “businesswoman.” I envisioned myself dressing up every day, with a briefcase and power suit, off to either a corporate job or running my own business. (And no, I’m not 30 yet, but I sometimes still feel like the kid that doesn’t know what they want to be when they grow up.)
In some ways, being a ” businesswoman” feels like the farthest thing from reality. I pack up my Timbuk2 computer bag, with its bright raspberry panels and black and white chevron center stripe, and fit in my computer and my trusty travel makeup bag. Pretty much the least briefcase-like thing ever. When I come home, I get comfy in my blogging uniform (read: sweatpants and a tank or tee depending on the season) and get to work at my second “job.”
When I look to the future, I’m not sure what I see anymore. What I once thought of as “the dream” is no longer what I want. Facing forward, I’d like to own my own business. And truthfully, I suppose I already do. Making money via blogging is now my business. When I started making money (yes, I do make a little bit of money from this blog. Hopefully that’s not a big secret!) I had to redefine my business goals. Did I come up with an extensive business plan or a five year plan? No. Blogging is still so “new” that it’s hard to know what will happen in this industry in the future. But what I do know is that I enjoy doing things for myself. Being my own boss and calling the shots makes me happy.
I often am asked why I bother with something like blogging if there’s not a lot of immediate gratification. The amount of time I put into it in no way matches the amount of money one would expect from a typical 9-5 job. My fellow bloggers know that it’s the most time-consuming thing you could possibly take on as a hobby. But honestly, the joy of blogging comes from interacting with like minded individuals and being able to share yourself with others through words and media, be it photography or through video. When I wrote about why I blog almost a year ago, nothing has changed… except maybe how I perceive my future.
So what do I want to do in 5 years? 10 years? Honestly, I still don’t know. But what I do know is that I want to enjoy the ride, and I want to do something for myself. I don’t want to work for “The Man.” I’m not even sure that a traditional job is the right road for me anymore.
To my future self, I hope you will not be afraid to fail. I tried to start many blogs before this one, and who’s to say this is it? Don’t forget to enjoy the ride, too. Life is short, don’t forget breathe it in and don’t get so caught up that you are no longer having fun. Don’t be afraid to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. I am not an extrovert. Being a social butterfly is not what comes naturally to me. Introducing myself and breaking the ice is about the second to last thing I enjoy. (The last thing is probably going to the doctor. #HypochondriacProblems) But do it anyways because you never know who you will meet and how that could impact your life. I’ve met some amazing people on this journey so far and know there’s only more ahead.
I can’t thank Clinique enough for igniting these #FaceForward thoughts. Looking to the future, most of all what I want is happiness and success, even if it doesn’t look like what I envisioned success to look like so many moons ago.
What does your #FaceForward look like? If you could give your future self any advice, what would it be?
What a cute post! I need to lay out my five and ten year goals too.
Thanks Alanna!
In 5 Years I hope to be working at a great agency with a mission I believe in, and be married to my best friend! Not too specific, but there are a lot of decisions being made in the next couple of months that will help with all that :) I love this post! #FaceForward
xoxo
Love that, Ashley! Sounds like you have amazing goals!
I totally and 100% completely resonated with your words. I get asked by my family and boyfriend all the time “why do you bother with blogging?” For me, it’s about the connections and the ability to write. I’ve always been a writer who never really knew what to write. Blogging let’s me write with purpose and conviction. Keep doing you, girlfriend.
Yes, that’s the same for me – I’ve always loved to write but never did unless I was given a prompt. Now I’ve discovered SO much to write about through blogging! So glad you resonated with this, Kristine! :)
I’m unsure of my 5 and 10 year goals as well, to be honest.
Whatever I am doing, I want to be happy and feel fulfilled from it.
xoxo, Jenny || Breakfast at Lillys
I think that’s a great goal, Jenny! I think happiness is the ultimate goal for me as well. :)
What a hustler, Jenn! ;)
Haha, thanks Jae!
I am a business woman, a part of myself that although I avoided for so long, I can no longer ignore…I am a business owner, I will work in corporate America as a leader…I love this campaign #millennialblogger
Love that, Nancy! All about embracing who you are and so glad you’ve discovered that!
You’re spot on with “Don’t be afraid to fail” and “Don’t forget to breathe”! These are ESSENTIAL to a life where you love and honor yourself, your passions, and your life’s goals. Beautiful post–thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Julie! So glad you enjoyed! :)
Such an interesting topic. I think it is hard to know exactly what you want for the future. While it is beneficial to have a vision I don’t really believe in taking a 5 or 10 year plan too seriously. I don’t know who I’ll be in 5 days let alone in 5 years!
Ha, definitely a great point! It’s good to be open to evolving those goals!
I love Clinique, so I love that they inspired this wonderful challenge! I honestly have no idea where I see myself in 5 years! I’m the type to get all stressed out and crazy over thinking too far ahead, so I prefer to take it day by day! Xx
Taking it day by day is great too! Thinking too far ahead can definitely be stressful!
It’s so scary… the fear of the unknown but I also love it at the same time. I can’t think of where I will be in five years but I definitely know where I want to be! And I also love Clinique. I like to live life day by day, although I always find myself planning ahead in my head.
Lauren
The Fashionista’s Diary
The fear of the unknown can definitely be scary! I think it’s good to think to the future, but also to take it day by day and not get too stressed about the future.
Totally love this! I have loved Clinique since my mom would take me to their makeup counter as a little girl! They are such a wonderful company.
I totally sympathize with you about blogging. I love doing it just to do it, and I KNOW so many of my friends don’t see a point in it! Keep on bloggin’ girl!
Thanks Tiffani, so glad you enjoyed the post and I’ll definitely keep on blogging! ;)
I definitely don’t know where I see myself in five years. When I think about myself five years ago, so much has changed, and I can only imagine how much will change in the next five. I definitely see blogging as a business too, and it’s so hard to explain to people why I love and dedicate so much time to it when they don’t blog. I love your perspective in this post, because I can seriously relate to it so much.
Thanks Tiffany, so glad you could relate! It’s definitely hard to look ahead 5 years from now because like you said, so much can change in 5 years!
I couldn’t agree with this post more! Blogging is probably one of the most time consuming things I have EVER decided to do with my life! I am a teacher, and sometimes it takes a lot to get off work and start working on a blog post. But in the end, it is so rewarding! I have been doing this for over 4 years, and definitely had my fair share of worrying about failing! In the beginning, I used to delete my posts because I was so worried no one would read them! I think my #faceforward would be the same as yours:) No fear of failure!
xo Ashley
Love that, Ashley! Sounds like you’re super dedicated to your blog – I definitely feel the same way after work some days, but I’m always happy when I put the effort in and write! :)
I am right there with you! I’m not exactly sure what my future holds, but I have faith that God has an amazing plan for me. In the meanwhile, I’m working full time as a marketing coordinator, part time as a blogger, and exploring my interests!
XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass
Love that! Sounds like you’re in the perfect place to be able to follow your interests!
Such a great post Jenn! I love your honesty and can totally relate.
I have been the type of person who sets personal goals and has always known what I’ve wanted to do and be (at any given time). I also know sometimes things happen and your original plan has to change. It’s how you deal with those changes that’s matters, I wouldn’t consider them failures.
I also have to say that blogging is so satisfying that even after a long day of work, I can’t help but want to work on my blog! Great post!!
xo, Laura
http://www.have-need-want.com
Thanks Laura! It really is so satisfying, I think it fulfills that need to be doing something only for yourself, instead of what you do at work which really isn’t for you.
This is such a good post, Jenn! This is exactly how I feel about blogging. I love it, but I’m sure it will change in the future and my goals might change too.
Aw, thanks Shannon! I definitely think my future goals will change as well as my feelings about blogging, at least on a personal level.
I literally have been feeling like this ALL week. My situation is a little different in the fact that I am still in college but before I started I thought I had my life all planned out. Literally from the age of six I thought I was going to be a doctor. Then after taking science classes my freshman year of college I realized that I wasn’t truly passionate about medicine so I switched to journalism and public relations. Ever since I made the switch it has definitely been a huge adjustment and a lot of the times I feel I’m in a grey area of not completely sure where this change will lead me.
So as a girl who crazily have things all planned and is current stuck, I can relate to how you are feeling.
xoxo, Danielle
http://www.glamrme.com
Good for you for making that switch now! So many people I know kept with it and ended up realizing that when it was basically too late… and now are going back to school or are in a career they don’t truly love. Best of luck with journalism and PR! :)
I love this post! Thanks for sharing. I think many of us can associate with these feelings. :)
Amanda – TheFashionToFollow.com
Thanks Amanda!
Wow – you have been quite the entrepreneur your whole life!! It is so true what you said about blogging. It is the most time consuming hobby I think I have ever decided to do but it has also been my favorite!! The friendships, opportunities, and interactions I have had through it far outweigh the monetary factor!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://www.how2wearit.com
Totally agreed, Morgan! Blogging is definitely worth it!
Love this post! I am working hard today so that my future self looks like a confident, sassy and independent mom :) I just want to make sure I am the best mom/wife I can be. I want to work on patience to help ease my anxiety. Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks Chelsea! Sounds like a wonderful future you have planned! :)
I really enjoyed this post, looking toward the future is always a bit scary but setting goals is important! I hope that within a few years I’ll have my master’s and be working as an SLP. I also hope that I’ll still be blogging but who knows if I’ll be able to handle both?
Kayla | http://kaylablogs.com
Thanks Kayla! Looking to the future can definitely be scary. I hope you’ll be able to handle both, I know having a blog is a nice change of pace at night from my day job! ;)
Yess, this post was such an inspiration! I have a full-time job right now, but I have so much love and support for my blog as well that I would love to transition it into a full-time career. It’s a little scary because like you said, there is no 5 year plan that you can dream up. But I can’t wait to see how much you grow your blog/business, you’re killing it and I know we’ll see great things in the future!
xo, Alicia | Alicia Tenise
Aw, thanks so much Alicia! I am a huge fan of your blog and am inspired by your success as well. Can’t wait to see how you evolve your blog in the years to come!
Love this post, Jenn. For the past five years I was in school, I always thought I would graduate and get a teaching job at a high school. It was really hard for me to come to terms with the fact that, after completing my student teaching, I wasn’t in love with teaching and didn’t want to do it. That’s when I started to blog, because I was in such a rut. When I made the choice to blog full time, it was because I was sick of not being in charge of my life, my schedule, my work hours. Having the freedom to be my own boss and to call the shots is exhilarating and life changing. I don’t know if I’ll be a full time blogger forever, but for now and the next year, this is what truly makes me happy!
Thanks Chelsie! So glad you’ve found something that’s made you so happy! I’m excited to follow along your blogging journey over the next year and beyond :)
Five years ago I thought I’d be married by now, seen the world, and working a corporate job in NYC. That’s literally the farthest thing from reality. While I think its good to make goals for 5 and 10 years out, I realize that it’s not concrete. I, as a person, am allowed to change!
I definitely thought I’d be in a different place now too, and feeling more like an
“adult” than I do, but you’re so true – we are allowed to change!
I need to do this, I absolutely loved this idea! I’m graduating soon so I am facing a lot of life-changing situations and decisions
Alexandra | http://www.sincerely-alexandra.com
Thanks Alexandra! Now would be a great time to do this, and congrats on your graduation!
“But honestly, the joy of blogging comes from interacting with like minded individuals and being able to share yourself with others through words and media, be it photography or through video.”
Love, love this thoughtful post. It’s evident that the subject is very meaningful to you! Best of luck in continuing your journey towards your “future self,” whatever it may be!
Aw, thank you so much Alyssa!
I love this post! I think that blogging is like having your own business. It is so time consuming and you have to be creative on all fronts. Fantastic post!
Thanks so much, Elana!
Oh wow, I absolutely LOVE this post!! We are very similar people, by the way, lemme tell ya ;) ! lol!! The idea of being my own boss is highly appealing to me! Life’s journey is so exciting, and it seems that truly so many people wind up in places or with people they would never even begin to imagine… in an extremely good way! <3
xoxo, Brooke ( http://www.ThePinkLyme.com )
Love that, Brooke! Definitely agree, life’s journey is exciting and you never know what will happen next!
What an absolutely amazing post! :) I’m not even sure what I’m going to be doing next week!
Haha, sometimes I don’t know what I’m doing next week either. Thanks Steph!
Sometimes it can be so difficult to make 5 year, and even 10 year plans. Our lives tend to change so much as we further discover our passions and learn more about ourselves. I congratulate you on how far your blog has come, and I wish you well as your goals all revolve around allowing yourself to be happy.
It really can! Thanks so much, Cat! :)
A.) Love Clinique.
B.) Love your goals and could not agree more. I feel like I was reading my own writing and goals here! I too envisioned myself for a long time rocking a board room and being corporate, but the more I’ve been blogging, the more I realize my truest passion lies in the super personalized interactions that come from being an online entrepreneur. We got this!
And the chubby sticks are just an added perk. (;
Coming Up Roses
Ha, definitely true, I’ll take Chubby Stick perks any day! Glad you could relate so much Erica!
It’s really hard to figure out what you want in 5 or 10 years, I don’t think anyone truly knows and sometimes I think it’s better to work hard and see where life takes you. I completely agree that sometimes blogging doesn’t offer instant gratification money wise, but I think it provides your life a lot more in other ways.
Definitely agree! I think it’s great to let our life take us on a natural path and be open to something you weren’t necessarily expecting!
I’m right there with you! Blogging has a lot of work without reward on the front-end, but I know that the experience will pay off in the long run. Love those Clinique Chubby Sticks by the way!
So glad you could relate, Ashley! The Chubby Sticks are my fave too!
I’m a new follower and absolutely LOVE your blog. growing up I wanted to be a fashion designer. I would draw and make my own clothes then I just kinda grew out of it. I doodle clothes now, and try to make them.
Aw, thanks Jessa! I also grew out of it, and it’s been a long time since I’ve attempted to make anything of my own. I am feeling the DIY itch again and may have to try a few new projects in the fall. :)